Concussion is a common injury that occurs in children and adolescents participating in sports and recreational activities. In Ontario, 36% of all traumatic brain injury (TBI) related emergency room visits and 16% of all TBI-related hospital admissions were children and youth 18 years and under [6].

Signs and symptoms of concussion can be easily overlooked. Playing with a concussion can lead to long-term problems and can be fatal. As a coach, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms and know how to manage a concussion.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a hit to the head that can change the way the brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Young children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults.

What do you need to know about concussions?

All concussions are serious

Even a bump to the head can be serious

Concussions are an invisible injury. You can’t see a concussion on an x-ray or MRI

Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness

Concussions can occur even with a helmet

Signs of a concussion may appear right after the injury or hours or days later

Early identification and management can help recovery and prevent further brain injury or even death

If you suspect a concussion:

Stop all activity right away. If in doubt, sit them out.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Monitor the player closely for any physical, mental or emotional changes. Remember, symptoms of a concussion don’t always show up right away. They may appear 24 to 72 hours after the injury.

Children with a concussion should notreturn to any activity on the same day the injury occurred.

Does the player have any signs and symptoms of a concussion?

Sleep disturbances or drowsiness

Headache

Nausea and vomiting

Poor balance or coordination

Dizziness

Visual problems

Sensitivity to light or noise

Confused, foggy

Poor concentration

Memory loss

Irritability

Sadness

Nervousness

If yes, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Is this an emergency? Does the player have any Red Flag symptoms?

Increased drowsiness or cannot be awakened

Loss of consciousness

Neck pain

Increased confusion –cannot recognize people or places

Repeated vomiting

Convulsions or seizures

Pupils are not the same size

Blurred or double vision

Slurred speech

Weakness, numbness in arms/legs

Change in behaviour- irritability aggression

If yes, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.

Where can I learn to identify and respond to a concussion?

Brain Smart Hamilton Coach Pathway to Concussion Care - a guide to help coaches identify and manage concussions with a list of community resources. Coach Pathway for Concussion Care